Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Devialet Phantom II 98 dB is the better pick: it ranks #11 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.4/5), against #58 (rated 3.7/5) for the Kanto YU. If you want one new, the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB replaces the Devialet Phantom II 98 dB and is rated 4.4/5 at $3,998.
Why pick the Kanto YU: A compact powered pair with Bluetooth, RCA inputs, a remote, tone controls and a subwoofer output for simple desktop setups. It supports aptX Bluetooth, which the Devialet Phantom II 98 dB lacks. Watch for: Standalone preference is 3.46 and the -3dB point is about 85Hz, so it lacks low-bass weight.
The Devialet Phantom II 98 dB is the more accurate choice. A compact wireless streaming speaker with startlingly deep bass for its size and an even, well balanced sound. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.87 against 3.46 for the Kanto YU. Watch for: Small-enclosure bass extension at the measurement level does not guarantee the same response at high volume.
Buy the Devialet Phantom II 98 dB only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB, which replaces the Devialet Phantom II 98 dB.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
A compact powered pair with Bluetooth, RCA inputs, a remote, tone controls and a subwoofer output for simple desktop setups.
A compact wireless streaming speaker with startlingly deep bass for its size and an even, well balanced sound.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Kanto YU | Devialet Phantom II 98 dB | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.99 per pair Discontinued | $2,998 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #58 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #11 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way powered, rear-ported MDF | - |
| Drivers | 1” silk-dome tweeter, 4” Kevlar woofer | One aluminum full-range driver; two aluminum bass drivers |
| Dimensions | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in | 6.6 x 6.2 x 8.6 in each |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) active, 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) passive | 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) each |
| Amplifier Power | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair | 400W RMS each |
| Inputs | RCA and Bluetooth 4.2 aptX | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, UPnP, Roon Ready, analog/optical combo jack |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | SBC, AAC |
| Country | Canada (design) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.46 | 6.87 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.38 | 7.95 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | - |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 18Hz - 21kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 30Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | approximately 22.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Maximum SPL | - | 98dB at 1m each (manufacturer specified) |
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